Darkness Behind The Light

n to, the sound of footsteps approached. The neighbours, who had

e sympathy. However, in Isolde's heart, the words fe

more fortunate. Isolde felt smaller and smaller, almost like she was floating

he edge of town, a place not far from the abyss of nothingness they now faced. The

ls and a musty smell stinging their noses.

ooking for work. She would do anything - waitress, shopkeepe

id not seem to

eted by her mother's wistful gaze and the increasi

o gnaw at her heart. Was she destined to live a miserable life after her f

e city park, looking at the children running around

ars from falling. The memories just came

remembered the warmth and joy o

n greeted us warmly, spreading

reshly baked blueberry cake wafted from the kit

. In the dining room, the table was set with a pastel-c

tifully, Livia excitedly arranged the b

ly, her eyes twinkling. A middle-aged woman with

w, your cakes are getting prettier and prettier, Livia," she praised, wal

to see you grow up to be su

eks rosy. "I was just trying out a new rec

d, her gaze distant, as if lost in memories. "Her blue

ng in her clear eyes. Livia's question made the smile on her mother's face fade.

I think Grandmother only ever told me about the village where she grew up. Hone

lied obediently, though curiosity still niggled at her heart. She move

with the faint scent of old wood and beer waft

assic novels to thick encyclopedias. An ancient world map hung neatly in th

asses. One glass contained leftover beer and the other contained water.

ry cake."Rhysand turned his head, a warm smile spread across his

ightly messy, adding a warm

girl," she greeted, rising from her chair and ap

r cheeks blushing under her fath

kling meaningfully," your mother was also excellent

s voice. "Father often told me about your past," she said s

as if looking back at the memories neat

he said softly," but believe me, your mother loved you v

g the turmoil in her father's heart. "But...

sturdy fingers rubbing his chin, adorned with a thin beard, a sign that he wa

for you to understand right now. Your mother's p

a, her curiosity piqued.

painting on his desk. It was a painting o

Rhysand could see his reflection in the painting, a wo

sped, hurriedly taking his eyes off the painting. "No... it's fine," he repli

till niggled at her heart. She knew there were times w

ared an appetising breakfast. The aroma of warm chamomile tea and the fragr

ivia with a warm hug. "May you always be blessed wi

fast that morning was filled with laughter and family warmth. Rhysand excitedly

tials. "I know you like to draw a lot, Livia," Rhysand said as she handed over the book," I hope thi

said, hugging Rhysand tig

lde chuckled," But I've cooked all your fav

ed Livia enthusiastically. "Yo

s came to celebrate her birthday. There was laughter, music, and the smell of fr

the joy. Rhysand frowned when he saw th

from the crowd. Rhysand's initially bright face slowly paled when he heard the panicke